India aims to seal the five-match T20I series against South Africa with a victory in the fourth game at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium on December 17, 2025, holding a 2-1 lead after a commanding seven-wicket win in the third T20I at Dharamsala. The hosts dominated the low-scoring encounter, restricting the Proteas to 117 before chasing it down comfortably, but concerns persist over the form of vice-captain Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Gill has struggled throughout the series, managing low scores amid questions about his T20I suitability despite strong performances in longer formats, while Yadav—yet to hit a half-century in 2025—faces scrutiny with an average dipping to around 14 in the calendar year. Former players like Irfan Pathan have highlighted the pair's lean patch as a key area for improvement ahead of the T20 World Cup.

All-rounder Axar Patel has been ruled out of the remaining matches due to illness, with Shahbaz Ahmed named as replacement, though India's spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy remains potent. Jasprit Bumrah's availability is uncertain after missing the previous game for personal reasons, but reports suggest he could return.

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South Africa, needing a win to stay alive in the series, will rely on openers like Quinton de Kock—who smashed a quickfire 90 in the second T20I—and experienced players such as David Miller to counter India's bowling attack. Captain Aiden Markram's side has shown flashes of aggression but collapsed in the third match.

Foggy conditions greeted teams upon arrival in Lucknow, potentially influencing the dew factor in the night game starting at 7:00 PM IST. The Ekana pitch has historically offered balance but can produce high scores in T20s.A win for India would mark their 14th consecutive bilateral T20I series triumph, while South Africa seeks to level terms and force a decider in Ahmedabad. Live coverage is available on the Star Sports network and JioHotstar.

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